You have been challenged to a Sumo robot battle!
Official Sumo-bot Wrestling Rules
(updated
6/6/02 - original rules can be found here)
Sumo-bot wrestling is a contest where two LEGO robot contestants try to push each other out of a circular ring. The first robot to touch the floor outside of the ring loses. The last robot remaining in the ring wins.
Robots: Robots must be constructed of official LEGO elements or their generic equivalent. The onboard computing device must be one or a combination of the following: Cybermaster, MicroScout, CodePilot, Scout or the RCX programmable brick. There is no limit as to how many or how few computing units a robot employs. Homebrew sensors and multiplexors are allowed, all other modifications to LEGO elements or their generic equivalent is prohibited.
Robot Control: All robots are to act autonomously, that is to say, robots must operate without human control during a match.
Weight: There is no restriction on robot weight.
Size: At the start of a match the robot must fit into a square box of 12 inches to a side, with no height limitation. Parts of the robot may extend outside this region after a match has started.
Sumo Ring Details: The sumo ring has a diameter of about 3 feet, and is raised about 4 inches above the floor. The color of the ring is Ultra Flat Black, with a 2 inch wide Flat White edge boundary. The surface of the ring is rather coarse due to it being made from "chip board". Do not count on a smooth surface.
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Prohibited Items and Actions: A robot may not spray any material on the ring or on their opponent, or in any way deform the sumo ring. Robots are not allowed to use any flying components or projectiles. Robots may not electromagnetically interfere with the other robot or its sensors. Overt attempts to damage the opponent's robot, over and above the expected ramming and pushing, are not allowed. No rotating blades or flame-throwers!
Allowed Items and Actions: A robot may use various forms of detection to locate the other robot (IR, sonar, touch...). It may also incorporate stealth technology to avoid detection by the other robot. Providing an environment which misleads the opponent's robot is allowed (for example, putting a black flap down over the white ring edge line, hoping the other robot will not detect the edge and fall off). Signals may be used to try to confuse the other robot's detectors, such as flooding the area with IR, touching the far side of the robot, or convincing the other robot it is at the edge of the ring.
Programs: You should download your program to slot 5 on the RCX. This will make it possible for remote starts of both robots via the remote control.
Match Rules: A match is best of 3 bouts. Each bout will last a maximum of 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes, both robots are still in the ring, the bout is stopped and judgement is made as to a winner or if a rematch of the bout is needed.
Bout Start: The robots are placed on the sumo ring at the designated starting positions (facing each other accross the ring). A referee signals the start of each bout. The operators will indicate to their robots the start of the bout. Each robot should have a 5 second delay after the operator pushes start before the robot starts to move.
Bout Progression: The robots push eachother until one falls off the sumo ring. If the robots lose contact with eachother, they are expected to locate their opponent.
Bout End: The bout is over when one robot falls from the sumo ring (touches the floor) or the time elapses.
Match End: The match is over when one robot has won 2 of the 3 bouts.
Repairs and Reprogramming: During a match no changes in programming or construction of the robot is allowed, though minor repairs or battery replacements are allowed. There will be a maximum of one minute between rounds for these repairs. Reprogramming is allowed when the robot is on the sidelines (not actively in a bout or match).
Battle Royale: At the end of the competition we will have a "Battle Royale". where all of the bots will compete at the same time (this assumes of course that they all will fit on the ring!). If more contestents are present then will fit into the ring, we will have severl bouts and the winners of each bout will end up going head to head. The battle royale winner is as always, the last 'bot standing, and should be held in high esteem!
Good luck,
Jona